Investigating Symptoms & Stool Gut Bacteria between African Americans and Caucasian Americans
Official Title
Associations between Race, Gut Microbiota-Metabolites, and Long-Term Symptom Toxicity in African Americans and Caucasian Americans Colorectal Cancer Survivors
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to learn about the associations of symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and gastrointestinal distress including constipation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea with stool microbiomes and metabolites in patients with colorectal cancer. We will compare the associations of symptoms with microbiomes among colorectal cancer patients and healthy patients. You will be asked to complete several surveys that ask questions about your dietary habits, your health history, your social demographics, and your symptoms. You will also be asked to collect a stool sample with an at-home stool sample collection kit that will be provided to you.
Could this study be right for you?
- Diagnosed with stage I-IV colorectal cancer (ICD-10 C18, C19 and C20) OR Healthy.
- 18+ years of age at time of diagnosis.
- Able to communicate in English and provide consent.
- African American OR White.
- Not currently in cancer treatment.
- No current ostomy.
- No chronic bowel disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome).
- No diagnosis of functional GI disorders.
- No food allergies or dietary restrictions.
- No use of probiotics or antibiotics within the past two months prior to fecal collection.
- No significant cognitive or developmental delay that precedes cancer diagnosis (e.g., down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder).